It seems everywhere you travel these days, it's not hard to find kid-friendly activities, but sometimes you're looking for something a little more adult. Luckily, Portland, Oregon offers a wide selection of things to do for adults, who are either looking for a break from the little ones or just wanting to step out into the adult world.
Surprisingly, the Portland Art Museum is the seventh oldest museum in the country. Founded in 1892, it's the oldest museum in the Pacific Northwest. With more than 42,000 objects the Portland Art Museum reflects art history from ancient times to today. Along with innovative exhibitions, they offer a full schedule of lectures to illuminate the artists and their work. In 2007, Vincent van Gogh's "The Ox-Cart was donated to the museum. As of 2010, adult admission costs $12 per person.
Portland Art Museum
1219 Southwest Park Ave.
Portland, OR 97205
503-226-2811
portlandartmuseum.org
For book lovers, stop into Powell's Books, located in downtown Portland. Powell's Books takes up an entire city block. It's the nation's largest independent bookstore. Over a million volumes fill the shelves. Sit inside at the coffee ship and peruse possible purchases and grab a snack. Each month they offer a new art exhibit, along with dozens of reading series of acclaimed writers and artists, including Joyce Carol Oats, Michael Chabon and Roddy Doyle, just to name a few.
Powell's Books
1005 West Burnside
Portland, OR 97209
503-228-4651
powells.com
Grab your glass and sip on some of the finest wines in the Pacific Northwest. Wine tastings offer a great opportunity for adults to widen their pallet on an array of wine selections. Even if you're a novice, just ask the friendly staff, who are more than willing to answer questions and offer tips to find the perfect wine for you. Plan a day to visit a tasting room, or leave the driving up to the experts, as they take you on a tour.
A Nose For Wine Tours
1425 Northeast Stile Drive
Hillsboro, OR 97124
503-314-2041
anoseforwine.com
Ponzi Vineyards
14665 Southwest Winery Lane
Beaverton, OR 97007
503-628-1227
ponziwines.com
Urban Wineworks/Bishop Creek Cellars
407 Northwest 16th Ave.
Portland, OR 97209
503-226-9797
urbanwineworks.com
Hip Chicks Do Wine
4510 Southeast 23rd Ave.
Portland, OR 97202
503-753-6374
hipchicksdowine.com
Portland offers a unique way to watch your favorite movies at one of their many theater pubs. Many theaters show current movies, along with classics from the past. Sit back and enjoy a wide range of food options beyond popcorn and licorice, sampling everything from gourmet pizza to handmade vegan truffles. It's truly an adult experience, with many of the theaters requiring that you have to be over 21 just to get in the door.
Living Room Theaters
341 Southwest 10th Ave.
Portland, OR 97205
971-222-2010
livingroomtheaters.com
Bagdad Theater and Pub
3702 Southeast Hawthorne Blvd.
Portland, OR 97214
503-467-7521
mcmenamins.com
